The Panasonic EP-MAJ7 vs. the Ohco M.8

Which Chair Is Right For You?

These massage chairs have a lot to offer and are both brought to you by leading manufacturers, Panasonic and Ohco. The Ohco M.8 and EP-MAJ7 have been made with expert choreography to provide incredible massages, but which one is right for you? When you’re searching for L-Track massage, 3D rollers, and want a chair from a manufacturer that’s been making chairs for years both these options could serve your needs. But what makes one better for you over the other?

First, let’s discuss why L-Track massage and 3D rollers are so sought because these features are the main draw of both chairs.

3D Massage Rollers

A 3D massage system is an advancement of the 2D system and is found in the two chairs we’ll be discussing below. The 3D system works deeper into your shoulders and back, massaging well into the muscles for an intense, more productive massage.

These rollers can also project further out from the track and reach places that the ordinary chair usually can’t, especially the upper neck and between the shoulders.

The rollers can travel left and right, up and down, and in and out. This movement serves to replicate the effect of human hands delivering a massage. With 3D massage chairs, you can adjust the intensity of your massage as well. This means you can make it as intense or as gentle as you like, as much as the chair itself allows. If more than one person will be using the chair, this feature is truly beneficial.

L-Track Massage

The way a roller track on a massage chair works is basically like a train. A long roller track extends from the head & neck section down to the lower back and, in the case of an L-Track, the glutes and hamstrings. The rollers guide up and down along the track at the back of the chair like train wheels and from there deliver your massage.

When you’re receiving a massage from a chair, these rollers do the majority of the work, especially on your back. The rollers glide along the track and based on its shape they can work in different areas.

Whether the track is an S or an L will determine where it can massage.

As advancements in massage chairs improved over time, the S-Track was extended into the L-Track. The L-Track can reach beneath the seat to reach the glutes and hamstrings. The first L-Track prototype was an Inada.

However, Inada took time to perfect their chair, and so Infinite Therapeutics, or Infinity, was able to introduce its Iyashi model, which then became the first commercially available massage chair with an L-Track. Since then, the L-Track has become a customer favorite.

Now, let’s discuss what each chair offers and give you a better idea of which one will be right for your needs.

The Panasonic MAJ7

The Panasonic MAJ7 is a massage chair that will literally make you feel like you have a personal masseuse in your home. The MAJ7 harnesses the power of modern design and innovative 3D massage systems to deliver the ancient healing art of massage at the press of a button. The Panasonic Real Pro Ultra mechanism is at the heart of the MAJ7’s performance, constantly feeding information to the chair’s Position and Force Micro Processor, adjusting massage movements and pressure based on this real-time feedback. This responsiveness allows the Panasonic MAJ7 to faithfully replicate the intricate kneading movements of a human masseuse and customize the intensity for each user. Sensitive enough to detect tension in your muscles and monitor massage pressure at a rate of 100 times per second, the MAJ7 automatically adjusts to provide the most rejuvenating experience for you. All with a finely crafted style and 3D massage system that’s equally luxurious.

Features

Acupoints

You have roughly 350 acupoints in your body, with nearly 100 in your back and neck. From the soothing palm style of Swedish massage to deep tissue kneading to Shiatsu, the MAJ7 uses a variety of techniques to target acupoints and reinvigorate the body and mind.

Heated Massage Rollers

The massage rollers are designed with built-in ceramic heaters to produce heat therapy everywhere the roller can reach. This feature is truly unique to the MAJ7 and is the highlight feature of its "hot stone" massage experience. A typical massage chair usually provides heat by using stationary heating pads, which can only produce heat to specific areas. These massage rollers provide heat to every muscle they massage, which includes your entire back!

Body Scan Technology

Using pressure sensor technology, the Panasonic MAJ7 massage chair creates a virtual map of your entire back to deliver a massage contoured to your spine’s curves. The 3D massage system features floating massage rollers that glide over each vertebra, knowing precisely where to massage.

Advanced Lower Core Massage

The air cells of the MAJ7’s seat gently lift and reposition your whole body allowing the chair to work the glutes and upper hamstrings effectively. Relief for stiff, tight hips is achieved by targeting the right acupressure points. This is a huge benefit for post-workout massage sessions.

Unique 3D Massage System

The Panasonic MAJ7 massage chair can switch between massage styles, reach above the shoulders, and soothe each square inch of your back. As a result, the MAJ7 can switch between massage styles, reach above the shoulders, and soothe every square inch of your back. The 3D massage on this chair is unlike anything you will find elsewhere.

Intensity Sensing and Adjustments

The individual massage features of the MAJ7 are adjustable from gentle to firm. The intensity of air cell compression, foot massage, and roller massage are each independently controlled. Up to three users can program and save their favorite settings to get a truly custom massage experience for your entire family.

Professional Sole Massage

Deep, therapeutic massage is delivered to the soles of your feet by fusion of cutting-edge technology and reflexology techniques. Full coverage air cells hold your foot in place as the 3D massage system replicates the hand movements of a professional reflexologist. Capable of plantar arch massage, sole kneading, and sole shiatsu, the sole mechanism in this 3D massage system can adjust the intensity and style to suit you. The intense massage found in the MAJ7 is unique to this chair and a step up from the MA73. However, since this massage has been upgraded, this chair does not provide a rotating ottoman.

Massage Programs

The Panasonic MAJ7 massage chair comes with six automatic programs that can be combined to create the ultimate personalized massage experience, including Refresh, Deep, Shiatsu, Hip, Neck/Shoulder and Lower back. Six manual programs include Ultra Kneading, Shiatsu, Kneading, Swedish, Rolling, and Tapping.

Now, let’s cover the Ohco M.8.

The Ohco M.8

The Ohco M.8 Series massage chair is the climax of engineering. This luxury shiatsu massage chair is massage redefined. It offers an incredible experience thanks to the easy entry doors, high-quality materials, Zero Gravity programs, and an enhanced MaxTrack. But there is so much more that this chair offers.

Features

Body Scanning Technology

Patented Shiatsu point locator technology scans your body to ascertain how you are positioned in the chair. This ensures that your massage will focus on your specific profile.

Massage Programs

There are 14 Automatic programs that help you to enjoy the right massage at the right time. Some of the programs provided: Quick, Full Body, Stress Relief, Unwind, Stretch, Morning, Night, Full Body Air, Sports Recovery, Neck & Shoulders, Low Back, Glutes, Feet & Calves.

MaxTrack™

As an upgrade to a traditional L-Track, this chair has been designed with the MaxTrack proprietary framework that contours to the human body. While still allowing the seat, back, and legs to independently adjust, this track ensures a precise massage throughout every point of contact. The DeltaWave mechanism is able to travel in a J-shape that isn’t fixed. Because the mechanism has so much freedom of movement, it can stay in close contact with your body at every inch of its track. So with that, you can be in a classical Zero Gravity position, and you can also be in a lay-flat position. Both of these positions are possible with the MaxTrack design. It’s unique to this massage chair. Plus, you can even enjoy a bit inversion.

Easy Entry Doors

For a wholly relaxing experience, the Ohco has included doors on either side of the chair to make getting your massage and continuing on with your day simple and stress-free. This feature can be wonderful when you have limited mobility issues or if you simply want a better, easier way to hop in and enjoy your massage.

Revolutionary Massage

No one has ever created a massage chair quite like this. One of the world’s foremost designers, Ken Okuyama, shaped it. A shiatsu master, sensei Okabayashi, filled it with a lifetime of learning. Together, they created a massage chair that tends to you holistically to bring your body and mind unprecedented relaxation and rejuvenation. For the greatest penetration and precision, these 4D rollers provide users with a deep tissue massage. They can turn and hit areas that 2D rollers can’t.

Enhanced Arm Massage

Like the hands of a masseuse who knows your body, twelve independently controlled air cells embrace each of your arms conveying movements in countless combinations that you can choose to fit the exact needs of your arms.

TheraElliptical™ Kneading & Back Calf Kneading

By coupling compression and rotation in a complex movement, the Ohco mimics the sensation of human hands, enhancing circulation with a strong yet soothing movement. Plus, the reflexology in the foot rollers eases any aches and pains in your feet.

Expert Shiatsu Technique with Airbag Massage

The feeling of a thumb or knuckle pressing with circular pulsing is the Art of Shiatsu. But, you don’t need to travel to the spa when you have an Ohco. The MaxTrack follows your back’s contour and the precisely engineered motions replicate a Shiatsu Master. Then, twelve air cells in the arms and massaging in the feet and calves ease away stress throughout your body. An incredibly deep neck massage unique to this chair with the Knead & Stretch Headrest will employ gentle traction to alleviate pressure so that at every turn the M.8 combines modern engineering with the ancient art of Japanese healing.

Total Body Heat

Foot, hand, back, and seat heat improves relaxation and comfort. Plus, you can independently control each heat zone.

Space-Saving

The Ohco M.8 only needs 6.25” behind it to fully recline.

Air Ionizer with Aromatherapy & White Noise

Found in the headrest, the air ion generator removes dust, dander, spores, and pollutants from the air and the fan acts as a pleasant white noise that can ease your mind. A few drops of your favorite essential oil in the headrest diffuser makes the escape you’re experiencing that much better.

Large Screen Remote

The handheld remote offers a large screen for easy readability and swiftly tucks away back into its designated place when not in use with several language modes available.

Bluetooth & USB Ports

Connect your smart device to the chair to play relaxing music, sounds of nature, an audiobook, or your favorite meditation, and charge it with the installed USB port on the inside front of each arm.

M-Sense Light Pool

The Ohco M.8 has motion sensors that signal a soothing LED light to evoke an inviting atmosphere. This way you can walk to your chair without having to use harsh overhead lighting.

That all makes the Ohco M.8 Massage Chair. Additionally, the M.8 is also available in a Limited Edition version that offers Alcantara interior and a genuine leather exterior.

Deciding Factors

These two chairs include comfortable recline, 3D massage, airbag massage, foot massage, and technology backed by the American Chiropractic Association. However, there are a few deciding factors that can sway you from one chair to the other.

The EP-MAJ7 offers a better foot massage. If you work on your feet all day, walk or run often, or deal with lower extremity swelling or numbness, the enhanced MAJ7 foot massage could be an excellent option for you.

When it really comes down to it, your budget and what you really want from the chair is going to make your decision for you. The EP-MAJ7 has been designed with such precise mechanisms that it has been shown doing calligraphy at the CES Convention. The M.8 offers wonderful supplementary features, including aromatherapy, negative ion therapy, and focuses on Shiatsu massage.

If you want a very intense massage, the EP-MAJ7 may be better for you. If you want a total relaxation experience with all the tricks, you may prefer the M.8.

Let your desires be the guide and go with the chair that calls to you most.

If you have any questions about these massage chairs or any others on our site, you can contact us over the phone or through email at info@massagechairplanet.com. We can also offer you financing options that can make taking home either of the best-sellers much more doable. After all, nothing should stand between you and ultimate relaxation.